Nets pay a visit to Bobcats down south

New Jersey is a half game off the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, but has dropped two straight and eight of the last 11 games, including Friday’s 90-82 loss to the Orlando Magic at Amway Arena.

Vince Carter posted 27 points, seven boards and five assists for the Nets, who fell to 13-21 as the visitor this season. Richard Jefferson finished with 19 points and Jason Kidd added eight points, nine assists and eight rebounds in a losing effort.

Meanwhile, the Bobcats will open a three-game homestand tonight and suffered a 106-97 setback to the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday at the Wachovia Center.

Gerald Wallace had 21 points and seven assists and Walter Herrmann added 17 points for the Bobcats, who had won two in a row and four of six coming in. Raymond Felton and Brevin Knight each donated 11 points for the second-worst team in the East (Boston, 20-49).

The Bobcats, who have lost 11 of their last 15 games, are 16-18 as the host this season. On the injury front for Charlotte, guard Raymond Felton (thigh) is questionable for Saturday, while guard Derek Anderson (knee) and forward Sean May (knee) are doubtful against New Jersey.

Saturday’s game between New Jersey and Charlotte is the third and final meeting of the regular season. The series is knotted at a game apiece, but the Nets have won three of four and eight of the 10 all-time meetings.

New Jersey has won all five matchups so far at Charlotte Bobcats Arena.